These cucumber noodles have been on my list of recipes I want to create for my blog since I started The Garlic Diaries back in September! They have been on my mind for a while now – the idea of cucumber “noodles” just sounded so light and refreshing to me. Not to mention healthy. And pretty. And crunchy…
In hindsight, I’m glad I waited so long to actually make these because now the weather is perfect for this crisp, bright side dish!
These “noodles” are so crisp and fresh. They are the perfect side for any meal! And if you want to use a different dressing to better fit the rest of your dinner, you can use anything that sounds good to you :).
I really love this light Asian dressing with them though – the salty bite from the soy sauce, bright tang from the rice vinegar, slight sweetness from the honey – everything pairs so well with the cucumber noodles.
They were tested and approved by my taste testing team – Seth and Boone. Boone was slightly confused while eating them but later decided he enjoyed it and came back for seconds.
These next several weeks are going to be crazy for Seth and I! He just finished Tank Commanders Course, and that was our final obstacle to complete before we make the move to Ft. Riley. So he starts clearing next week and then we move in the beginning of June! We have to actually be in Kansas by June 10th, which is when our house will be available.
Speaking of the house…we are living on base but don’t have much information on what our house looks like. We know it’s a Townhouse, and there is an image of the floor plan online, but apart from that there aren’t any pictures of the inside, descriptions, or anything like that. No idea if it’s carpet or hardwood, if there are a lot of windows, what the kitchen looks like (fingers crossed big time on that one!), etc…
It’s actually pretty exciting, though! It will definitely be an adventure.
So this week is my last week at work, and then I will start packing up the apartment!
We only got to Georgia 9 months ago, but I feel like it has been such a huge part of our lives already. It’s really where it all started for us since we moved here shortly after we got married. Not to mention the amazing friendships we have made while we’ve been here. Say what you will about military life, but the relationships you build with others sharing the same lifestyle is unbeatable! Georgia will always hold a special place in our hearts for sure.
It will be nice to get to Kansas, though and actually be able to settle down since we know we’ll be living there for a few years.
Aaaanyway, back to the recipe.
The crisp, refreshing, perfect-for-spring “noodles.”
You should really try them out!
PrintAsian Cucumber “Noodles”
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 sides 1x
Ingredients
- 2 hothouse cucumbers
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 teaspoons gluten free soy sauce (or regular if you aren’t gluten free)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/8 teaspoon sriracha
- 1/8 teaspoon ginger powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional – omit if vegan)
Instructions
- Peel the hothouse cucumbers partially so there are still strips of skin remaining unpeeled
- Slice the cucumbers in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon
- Using a mandoline or any other julienne tool, julienne both cucumbers and place the “noodles” in a bowl
- I cut my cucumbers in half so they weren’t as long and it was easier to use the mandoline
- In a bowl, whisk together the rest of the ingredients and pour over the cucumber noodles to taste
- Serve immediately
- *If you have a spiralizer, you can try to use it for the noodles, but I tried mine and didn’t have nearly as much success as I did with my mandolin.*
*Gluten free and vegan*
If you make this or any of my other recipes, be sure to Instagram it and hashtag #thegarlicdiaries
Want more yummy sides? Check these out:
Baby Kale, Farro Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Broccoli and Brussels Sprout Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Looks soooo yummy! This is what I need for hot summer. Is this Japanese style or Chinese style?
Jamie recently posted…How to Eat Udon?
These are beyond delish! I used the smallest blade on my spiralizer and switched out fresh grated ginger and Japanese vinegar because that is what I had on hand. Perfection.
★★★★★
Yay! I’m so glad you loved it, Cathy!! That makes my day.
These look amazing–I am trying these!
Deborah recently posted…Growing Rhubarb From Scratch: Two Different Ways
You will love them! So fresh and healthy :).
Love the idea of this! Fresh healthy take on noodles
Dani @ House in Tillford recently posted…Review | Chiosco by Ormeggio
Thanks, Dani!
Good luck on your next adventure, I hope you get a great kitchen! :)
These noodles are so creative, I am dying to try them. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Sam!
I cannot wait to try this! I’ve made cooked zucchini “noodles” before and I love spaghetti squash, so I’m well versed in the no-noodle, noodle! haha But like you said this sounds so light and refreshing for hot summer day! Also, you can’t go wrong with the Asian inspired flavors you paired them with!
Alison recently posted…Eyelet Top{ic} of the Day
Yes! You should definitely try this then if you love the “no-noodle noodle!” Love that description by the way :).
Ahhh! I got a spiralizer recently and I’m OBSESSED!! I haven’t tried cucumber yet, though. The flavors in this sound so good– I’ll definitely need to try this!!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel recently posted…Harvest Fridays – Garlic Scape Pesto
Thanks, Jess! I love spiralizers. I want to get one of the bigger ones with the crank though – I have some trouble with my little hand held one.
I love the idea of cucumber noodles!! This looks so healthy and delicious!
Rachel @the dessert chronicles recently posted…Soft Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Icing
Thanks, Rachel!
I adore this salad! First of all, you can count me in on anything with sesame oil. Second, I’m very weird about cucumbers – I always have to have the seeds removed, so this is perfect. It’s sad you will be leaving Georgia and all the friends you’ve made, but you are on to new adventures and that sounds so exciting! I”m sure there will be new and wonderful friends at Ft. Riley too!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Brown Ale Bread Stuffed with Bacon, Gorgonzola, and Figs
Thanks, Rachelle! Yeah I definitely don’t like the wet, gooey seeds of a cucumber…especially not in this! Yeah it is definitely bittersweet – but you’re right, we will make some great friends at Ft. Riley too :).
This looks delicious and so refreshing – such a great idea! Also, love the name of your blog – I’m a garlic obsessive so automatically a fan!
Culina Sophia recently posted…Stripy Lemon & Raspberry Cake – Recipe
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Thanks, Sophia!! I’m a garlic lover as well :).
What a refreshing and delicious salad! I love the cucumber noodles and the sesame ginger dressing sounds perfect!
Thanks, Kelly!
I love how light and healthy these are! Perfect for hot summer days : )
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely recently posted…Creamy Mushroom and Bell Pepper Pasta
★★★★★
Thanks, Natalie! Definitely good for hot summer days :).
Yes! We make these all the time. Usually we do half and half with these and “real” noodles.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Mexican Salmon and Quinoa Salad by Dannii
Yum! Great idea, Dannii!
I like cucumber salad. They are so perfect for warm weather. I have never done the cucumber in noodle form. Yours looks wonderful! Good luck on your upcoming move. It’s so exciting! My family is largely military people. They have moved so many times over the years that my phone book (yes, I still do it the old-fashion way) is full crossed out address entries for them.
Thao @ In Good Flavor recently posted…Grilled Lemongrass Pork Chops
Agreed, Thao! Haha, I bet you have lots of crossed out addressed for them – the military definitely requires some moving!!
This dish looks so pretty, Annie! I love these cucumber noodles! Perfect for the summer!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…No-Bake Blackberry Cheesecake
Thanks, Gayle! They really are perfect for summer – so light and refreshing!
Ohhh yummy! I have an Asian cucumber salad I make, but I cut the cucumbers wide… I never thought of cutting them uber thin and spaghetti-like! Super clever!! I bet this tastes great!! ♡ Trying this out.For.Sure! Thanks, Annie! Cheers my dear ;)
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Enchilada Black Bean Burgers {with Roasted Corn Slaw}
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Thanks, Cheyanne! Cutting them wide is a good idea too! Basically cucumbers in any form are delicious in the summer – especially when they have yummy Asian dressing on top :).
I can imagine how exciting it can be to move to a new house and how curious and annoying it will be to not know details! Seriously, for foodies like us, kitchen has to be good :) I wish all the good for your new home and your move, Annie! PS: cucumber noodles look so lite and refreshing! Totally perfect for summer!
Savita @ ChefDeHome recently posted…By ChefDeHome- Mango Strawberry Banana – Milk Shake Party
Oh yeah, the kitchen is so important! I definitely care about that more than anything. Thanks, Savita! They are so light and refreshing :).
To me, there is nothing more refreshing than cucumbers in the summer. They are just so light and clean! I will definitely have to try this recipe!
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat recently posted…Blackberry Margaritas
Yes! They are so refreshing, I love it :).